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Data engineering

Heroku Connect Alternative: Why Teams Are Switching to Stacksync

Looking for a Heroku Connect alternative? Stacksync offers transparent pricing, platform independence, and real-time bi-directional Salesforce-PostgreSQL sync. Get up and running in days, not months.
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Heroku Connect Alternative: Why Teams Are Switching to Stacksync

If you're searching for a Heroku Connect alternative, you're not alone. Engineering teams across SaaS, e-commerce, and financial services are moving away from Heroku Connect due to opaque pricing, Heroku platform lock-in, and limited integration scope. Stacksync provides a superior alternative to Heroku Connect for Salesforce-PostgreSQL synchronization, with transparent pricing, platform independence, and advanced workflow automation that eliminates vendor lock-in and hidden infrastructure costs.

Organizations choosing Stacksync as their Heroku Connect alternative gain enterprise-grade bi-directional sync capabilities without mandatory platform dependencies or unpredictable pricing structures.

Why Companies Choose Stacksync as a Heroku Connect Alternative

Stacksync addresses the fundamental limitations that make Heroku Connect challenging for growing organizations. While both platforms offer bi-directional synchronization between Salesforce and PostgreSQL, Stacksync delivers superior value through cost transparency, infrastructure flexibility, and built-in automation features that Heroku Connect simply doesn't offer.

Cost Transparency and Predictability

Heroku Connect's pricing model creates significant challenges for budget planning. Production tiers require contract negotiations with no public pricing, making cost estimation nearly impossible without engaging sales teams. On top of that, Heroku Connect mandates expensive Heroku Postgres plans and Heroku Dynos, creating infrastructure dependencies that can triple or quadruple your total costs.

Stacksync's pricing model is transparent and predictable. Organizations pay based on the number of unique synced records, with publicly available tier pricing starting at $1,000 per month. There are no hidden infrastructure requirements, no mandatory platform dependencies, and clear overage rates that allow accurate cost forecasting.

Cost Control Without Surprises comparison graphic showing four cards: Predictable Pricing, Platform Independence, Narrow Scope, and 200+ Connectors. The chart contrasts Heroku Connect limitations with Stacksync benefits, highlighting transparent pricing, infrastructure flexibility, broader integrations, and ecosystem scale.

Platform Independence and Flexibility

Heroku Connect creates significant vendor lock-in by requiring Heroku Postgres exclusively. You cannot use AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Supabase, or any other PostgreSQL provider. This limitation restricts architectural flexibility and prevents multi-cloud strategies that modern engineering teams rely on.

As a platform-independent Heroku Connect alternative, Stacksync operates as a cloud-native SaaS platform that connects to any PostgreSQL database, regardless of hosting provider. This flexibility allows organizations to maintain full control over their infrastructure choices while still benefiting from enterprise-grade synchronization.

Connector Ecosystem and Integration Scope

Heroku Connect focuses exclusively on Salesforce-to-PostgreSQL synchronization within the Heroku ecosystem. If you need to integrate additional systems, you're stuck implementing separate solutions, which creates integration sprawl and maintenance overhead.

Stacksync provides over 200 pre-built connectors spanning CRMs, ERPs, databases, data warehouses, and SaaS applications. This extensive ecosystem enables organizations to consolidate their entire integration architecture into a single platform, reducing complexity and long-term maintenance costs.

No-Code Setup and Configuration

One of the top reasons teams choose Stacksync as their Heroku Connect alternative is the dramatically faster setup experience. The platform's visual interface enables teams to configure bi-directional synchronization without writing code or hiring specialized consultants.

Visual Configuration Interface

The setup process requires zero coding knowledge. Teams can configure field mappings, sync directions, and transformation rules through an intuitive visual interface. This approach reduces implementation time from weeks or months to hours or days, enabling faster time-to-value compared to Heroku Connect's more complex setup process.

Pre-Built Connectors and Templates

Stacksync's connector library includes pre-configured templates for common integration patterns. These templates handle standard field mappings, data type conversions, and schema differences automatically, further accelerating deployment and reducing the risk of configuration errors.

Real-Time Monitoring and Observability

The platform provides comprehensive monitoring dashboards that track synchronization status, data flow, error rates, and performance metrics in real-time. Teams can identify and resolve issues quickly without requiring deep technical expertise, something that's often a pain point with Heroku Connect's limited observability.

Advanced Filtering and Transformation Capabilities

Stacksync provides sophisticated data filtering and transformation capabilities that go well beyond what Heroku Connect offers, enabling teams to optimize synchronization and reduce unnecessary data movement.

Custom Filter Configuration

Organizations can define complex filter criteria to control exactly which records synchronize between systems. Filters support multiple conditions, logical operators, and field-based criteria, enabling precise control over data flow. This capability reduces synchronization overhead and ensures only relevant data moves between systems.

Teams switching from Heroku Connect often cite pricing opacity, platform lock-in, and limited flexibility. Acertus faced the same challenges and now runs real-time sync reliably at scale. Book a demo to see how this approach works in practice.

Migrated from Heroku Connect testimonial banner with quote from VP of Technology at Acertus describing reliable real time data integration at scale after switching to Stacksync.  Today 7:47 PM • 179 chars • 27 words

Data Transformation Rules

The platform supports comprehensive data transformation capabilities, including field mapping, data type conversion, value transformation, and conditional logic. These transformations occur in real-time during synchronization, ensuring data consistency and format compatibility across all connected systems.

Conflict Resolution Strategies

Stacksync provides multiple conflict resolution strategies for handling simultaneous updates across systems. Organizations can configure last-write-wins, source-priority rules, or custom resolution logic based on their specific business requirements. This flexibility ensures data integrity while accommodating different operational workflows.

Event-Driven Workflow Automation

Perhaps the biggest advantage of choosing Stacksync as a Heroku Connect alternative is the built-in event-driven architecture. Teams can build sophisticated automated workflows triggered by data changes, eliminating the need for custom polling mechanisms or complex webhook configurations that Heroku Connect would require you to build from scratch.

Real-Time Change Data Capture

Stacksync provides non-invasive Change Data Capture (CDC) capabilities that detect field-level changes in real-time without requiring database modifications. This approach captures all data mutations, including creates, updates, and deletes, ensuring complete event coverage across your integration architecture.

No-Code Trigger Configuration

Stacksync's visual trigger editor enables teams to configure event triggers without writing code. Triggers can monitor changes in Salesforce, PostgreSQL, or both systems simultaneously, providing comprehensive event coverage that Heroku Connect cannot match natively.

Advanced Event Filtering

Organizations can define complex filter conditions for triggers, enabling precise control over when workflows execute. Triggers can activate only when specific field values change, when records meet certain criteria, or when multiple conditions are satisfied simultaneously.

HTTP Endpoint Integration

Triggers can notify any HTTP REST endpoint, enabling integration with external services, webhook receivers, serverless functions, or automation platforms like Zapier and Make. This flexibility allows organizations to extend Stacksync's capabilities into their existing toolchain without additional vendor lock-in.

Workflow Automation Examples

Common use cases include automatically sending welcome emails when new accounts are created, updating downstream systems when deal stages change, triggering data enrichment processes when leads are qualified, and synchronizing inventory levels across e-commerce platforms in real-time.

Transparent and Scalable Pricing Model

One of the most common reasons teams look for a Heroku Connect alternative is cost. Stacksync's pricing structure provides clear cost predictability that enables organizations to plan budgets accurately and scale efficiently.

Category
Stacksync logo
Heroku logo
Pricing Transparency ✔️ Public, record-based tiers with predictable monthly costs Contract pricing with limited upfront visibility
Platform Flexibility ✔️ Compatible with any PostgreSQL host or cloud provider Restricted to Heroku Postgres infrastructure
Integration Scope ✔️ 200+ connectors across CRMs, ERPs, databases, and SaaS Primarily Salesforce to Postgres only
Setup & Configuration ✔️ No-code visual setup completed in hours or days Longer setup with higher implementation effort
Automation & Triggers ✔️ Built-in event-driven workflows and real-time triggers Advanced automation requires custom work
Performance ✔️ Sub-second, real-time bi-directional sync Near real-time with scheduled sync intervals
Best Fit ✔️ Teams scaling beyond Heroku with multi-system needs Teams fully committed to the Heroku ecosystem

Key Takeaways

Stacksync combines real-time sync, automation, and transparent pricing without infrastructure lock-in.

Heroku Connect may introduce cost uncertainty and architectural constraints as teams scale.

The choice ultimately depends on long-term flexibility, cost predictability, and integration breadth.

Record-Based Pricing

Stacksync charges based on unique synced records, not update frequency or operation volume. This means organizations can update records unlimited times without additional costs, making it highly cost-effective for high-velocity data environments. Only records present at the start of the month or synced for the first time during the month count toward billing.

Transparent Tier Structure

Stacksync offers publicly available pricing tiers:

  • Starter Plan at $1,000 per month includes 50,000 synced records
  • Pro Plan at $3,000 per month supports up to 1 million records
  • Managed Pro at $4,200 per month support everything in Pro plus a US-based engineering team for all your integration needs.
  • Enterprise Plans provide custom pricing with volume discounts for large-scale deployments

Compare this to Heroku Connect, where you need to get on a sales call just to learn what you'll pay.

No Hidden Infrastructure Costs

Unlike Heroku Connect, Stacksync doesn't require mandatory infrastructure components. Organizations can use their existing PostgreSQL databases regardless of hosting provider, eliminating the need for expensive Heroku Postgres plans or Heroku Dynos. This approach significantly reduces total cost of ownership.

Predictable Scaling

Overage charges for records exceeding plan limits follow a tiered structure with volume discounts. Organizations can accurately forecast costs based on data volume, enabling better budget planning and financial predictability as they grow.

Enterprise-Grade Security and Compliance

Stacksync provides enterprise-grade security features and compliance certifications that meet the requirements of regulated industries and security-conscious organizations.

Security Certifications

The platform maintains SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA BAA, ISO 27001, and CCPA compliance certifications. These certifications demonstrate Stacksync's commitment to data security and regulatory compliance, enabling organizations in healthcare, finance, and other regulated industries to adopt the platform confidently.

Data Encryption and Access Controls

All data in transit is encrypted using TLS 1.2+, and data at rest encryption is available for sensitive workloads. The platform supports role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and single sign-on (SSO) for enterprise deployments.

Audit Trails and Compliance Reporting

Stacksync maintains comprehensive audit logs that track all data access, configuration changes, and synchronization activities. These logs support compliance requirements and enable organizations to demonstrate data handling practices during audits.

Performance and Reliability

Stacksync's architecture is designed for high-performance, reliable data synchronization that supports mission-critical business operations.

Real-Time Synchronization Performance

The platform provides sub-second synchronization latency for most operations, ensuring that data changes propagate quickly across connected systems. This performance level supports real-time business processes that depend on current data availability.

High Availability and Reliability

Stacksync's cloud-native architecture includes built-in redundancy, automatic failover, and disaster recovery capabilities. The platform maintains high uptime SLAs for enterprise customers, ensuring that critical data synchronization continues operating even during infrastructure issues.

Scalability and Throughput

The platform scales horizontally to handle increasing data volumes and synchronization frequencies. Organizations can grow from thousands to millions of synced records without performance degradation or architectural changes.

Migrating from Heroku Connect to Stacksync

Organizations currently using Heroku Connect can migrate to Stacksync with minimal disruption, often improving capabilities while reducing costs.

Migration Process

Stacksync supports migration from Heroku Connect by replicating existing sync configurations and data mappings. The Stacksync team assists with migration planning and execution, ensuring smooth transitions with minimal downtime.

Data Consistency During Migration

The migration process maintains data consistency by synchronizing historical data and establishing real-time sync before decommissioning Heroku Connect. This approach prevents data loss and ensures continuity of business operations throughout the transition.

Cost Savings Post-Migration

Organizations typically realize 30-50% cost savings after migrating from Heroku Connect to Stacksync, primarily through eliminating mandatory Heroku infrastructure requirements and benefiting from transparent, record-based pricing.

Make the Switch to the Best Heroku Connect Alternative

Stacksync delivers superior value compared to Heroku Connect through transparent pricing, platform independence, advanced automation capabilities, and comprehensive connector support. Organizations choosing Stacksync as their Heroku Connect alternative gain enterprise-grade synchronization capabilities without vendor lock-in, hidden costs, or infrastructure dependencies.

The platform's no-code configuration, real-time performance, and extensive automation features enable teams to build sophisticated integration architectures quickly and maintain them efficiently. Whether you're evaluating integration solutions for the first time or actively searching for a Heroku Connect alternative, Stacksync provides a compelling combination of capabilities, flexibility, and value.

Ready to eliminate Heroku Connect's limitations and infrastructure dependencies? Book a Stacksync demo to see how transparent pricing, platform independence, and advanced workflow automation can transform your Salesforce-PostgreSQL integration strategy.

Ready to see a real-time data integration platform in action? Book a demo with real engineers and discover how Stacksync brings together two-way sync, workflow automation, EDI, managed event queues, and built-in monitoring to keep your CRM, ERP, and databases aligned in real time without batch jobs or brittle integrations.
→  FAQS
What is the best alternative to Heroku Connect?
Stacksync is the leading Heroku Connect alternative for Salesforce-PostgreSQL synchronization. It offers transparent, publicly available pricing starting at $1,000 per month, connects to any PostgreSQL database regardless of hosting provider, and includes built-in workflow automation and over 200 pre-built connectors. Unlike Heroku Connect, Stacksync doesn't require Heroku Postgres or Heroku Dynos, which eliminates vendor lock-in and significantly reduces total cost of ownership.
How much does Stacksync cost compared to Heroku Connect?
Stacksync's Starter plan begins at $1,000 per month for 50,000 synced records, and the Pro plan costs $3,000 per month for up to 1 million records. Heroku Connect has no public pricing and requires contract negotiations, plus mandates expensive Heroku Postgres and Dyno infrastructure that can push total costs to $5,000-$7,000+ per month for comparable usage. Organizations that switch from Heroku Connect to Stacksync typically save 30-50% on their integration costs.
Can Stacksync work with databases other than Heroku Postgres?
Yes. Unlike Heroku Connect, which only works with Heroku Postgres, Stacksync connects to any PostgreSQL database regardless of where it's hosted. This includes AWS RDS, Google Cloud SQL, Supabase, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, self-hosted instances, and more. Stacksync also supports over 200 additional connectors for CRMs, ERPs, data warehouses, and SaaS applications like HubSpot, NetSuite, Snowflake, and Shopify.
Does Stacksync support real-time triggers and workflow automation?
Yes. Stacksync includes a built-in event-driven automation engine with no-code trigger configuration. Teams can set up triggers that fire when specific data changes occur in Salesforce, PostgreSQL, or any connected system, then route those events to HTTP endpoints, webhook receivers, or automation platforms like Zapier and Make. Heroku Connect does not offer native trigger or workflow automation capabilities, requiring custom development or third-party tools to achieve similar functionality.
Is it difficult to migrate from Heroku Connect to Stacksync?
No. Stacksync's team provides hands-on migration support, replicating your existing sync configurations and field mappings with minimal downtime. The migration process establishes real-time sync on Stacksync before decommissioning Heroku Connect, ensuring data consistency and zero disruption to business operations throughout the transition.

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